Antelope Valley Poppy ReserveThe 2018 / 2019 winter season in California had by far been the wettest since we moved from New Jersey back in 2015. It had taken me awhile to learn to appreciate the long rainy seasons that occur here each winter, but the wildfires that forced us to evacuate our home in October of 2017 definitely taught us to value them.

Besides the obvious safety and environmental benefits to the record amounts of rain this season, there were recreational ones as well, which we were very excited about taking advantage of.

With the reservoirs being at full capacity for the first time in years, our 20-foot Grady White would finally have some great places to play in. Plus, the wildflower bloom in southern California was reported to be spectacular, and Herb was itching to hit the road.

Despite a rather gloomy forecast, we were so sick of being cooped up in the house that we decided to hit the road anyway, heading south to Carrizo Plains National Monument and the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, both of which were reporting spectacular super blooms.

From there, we would spend a few days in Death Valley before heading home.